I grew up in the church. My father was a pastor and I was the dutiful first child, so I was at church every time the door opened. That meant Sunday School, Sunday morning church service, Training Union (helping church members grow in their … Read more

My husband and I planted our first garden last year. During the COVID-19 shutdown, we had more leisure time than usual and needed a project to keep our minds and hands occupied. Not all of our crop prospered, but the garden held our … Read more

As a child, I loved to make mud pies. In fact, during the summer, I was up to my elbows making miniature bowls, dishes, and furniture. Then, I discovered that I could make clay babies. After spending my day creating, I would place the … Read more

My interest in box turtles seems to be having an effect on those around me. They want to know more about one of the most charming and docile creatures on this planet. Some of my friends enjoy giving me gifts with a turtle theme. I've … Read more

When I started writing devotionals again last December, I went through emotional agony at the thought of my dysfunctional life hanging out there naked in cyberworld for all to see. I had felt led by God to write these devotionals. When I … Read more

I was late doing my spring cleaning, and it bothered me, so I decided to give it a try, and gathered the necessary tools. I prayed for my hurting shoulders, wrists, and back to co-operate with me to wash at least the outside windows that … Read more

I grew up in a home that had a china cabinet with a row of china cups behind the glass. They were brought out once a year to be dusted or washed, and maybe one other time to serve tea in. Recently, I was talking to a friend about going … Read more

There is a major house renovation going on close to where we live. Actually, it has been in progress for weeks and weeks — new roof, insulation, siding, windows, doors, sunroom, and storage addition — a complete overhaul! I don't … Read more

Every time I hear today's Scripture read, I am reminded of a message I heard at a special disability awareness service I attended a few years ago. A special guest, Jeff Steinberg, was invited to share his personal testimony and … Read more

One morning I was in a hurry. I was scurrying to get out the door to be at church early. The last thing on my list was to get myself ready. As I pulled a pair of nylons from the … Read more

In our church cookbook, there is a recipe for an Italian Crème Cake, extremely popular among the members of our church. When we have a church dinner, it is almost assured that someone will bring one. Sometimes two or three are … Read more

Any who have driven north from Orillia, Ontario, Canada, on Highway 11 may remember that when the road was widened, there was a spectacular rock cut through which the new road wound. High on either side of the road, the … Read more

I had good intentions in raking all the winter debris out from under the hedge and off the garden. I heaped it onto the patio, but didn't get a chance to pick it up. It was Sunday, and the rain … Read more

One day I read the Daily devotional, and when I finished, I looked at what it said just below it: Pray about contributing a devotional. This triggered something inside me. It led me to write about something that had happened … Read more

The mingled images of the crash-mangled limousine still haunt the evening news as the inquiry into the death of a princess continues. We are reminded of the vision of two young princes following behind the flag draped caisson carrying their … Read more

I just completed peer support training. This is a course to train women to offer support to victims of wife abuse. During one session we drew a tree on the board and then wrote words that described who or what … Read more

While in Newfoundland with the Atlantic Ecumenical Council, I had opportunity to visit a hermitage which had a resident potter. He displayed for us the creative process that transformed a lump of clay into a wonderful new creation. Just when … Read more